The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio and Abbas — sued on behalf of all National Assembly members, to refer the bribery allegations to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
The lawsuit followed viral claims made by Ibrahim Auyo, a House of Representatives member representing Jigawa State (APC), who alleged that lawmakers pay millions to have their bills or motions considered.
Auyo said in a video recorded in Hausa, “Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for.
“You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”
“Bribery Undermines Democracy” — SERAP
In its filing, SERAP described the alleged practice as “a grave violation of public trust and the constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly,” the organisation argued.
The rights group noted that such conduct undermines the legislative powers granted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
SERAP is also seeking an order of mandamus to compel Akpabio and Abbas to protect Ibrahim Auyo as a whistleblower under Article 33 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
SEERAP stated, “Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on the alleged ₦3m Bribe-for-Bills at the National Assembly.
“Directing and compelling Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to ensure proper investigation would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”
The organisation, represented by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, insisted that the National Assembly must act as “a proper and accountable legislative body that represents and protects the public interest.”
The statement read, “These allegations have exposed how lawmakers are abusing their entrusted positions to deny Nigerians of their constitutional and democratic rights.
“Ensuring the investigation of the alleged ₦3m Bribe-for-Bills and prosecution of suspected perpetrators would improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly and build trust in democratic institutions.”
SERAP Cites Breach Of Constitution, UN Convention
According to the group, the bribery allegations amount to a breach of Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates public institutions to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Nigeria has also made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to prevent and combat corruption including bribery. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected,” SERAP argued.
It further stated that failure to act would entrench a “culture of impunity” in the legislature and weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The bribery claim surfaced in late October after Rep. Auyo’s video circulated on social media, sparking public outrage. In the footage, the lawmaker alleged that bills and motions were being “commercialised” and that no lawmaker could move a bill without financial inducements.
Neither Akpabio nor Abbas has publicly responded to the allegations, and no formal investigation has been announced by the National Assembly.
The case, which seeks to hold the National Assembly leadership accountable for transparency and ethical governance, is yet to be assigned a hearing date.
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